4 survival tips for mummas heading back to work

Georja Ryan
Journalist
Hailing from the Gold Coast, I am a beach-bum and adventure-junkie. I love learning new skills, challenging myself and giving even the crazy things a crack. When it comes to journalism, I have a passion for the quirky, thrive when I am given creative rein and am truly grateful I get to share other people’s stories.

It's a matter of plonking your little one in childcare and stepping straight back into the daily grind where you left off.

But for most - it's really not that simple.

Here are 4 survival tips for mums returning to work, according to Brisbane-based blogger of Mad Max Mum, Lauren Patterson.

1. The mum guilt will wear off

Lauren says that feeling you get leaving your child behind can be rough - but it will fade. "It's healthy to have time away from your baby as everyone does it at some stage and your baby certainly won't hold it against you! For example, Max had his first day at day care last week and within minutes he had several of the day care girls lining up for cuddles and he couldn't have given two shits that I had left."

Heading back to work after a bub can be hard. Here's a few reminders to keep in mind.

2. YOUR decision is the BEST decision

Lauren says listening to your own intuition was the best way to know if you were making the right choice. "We only make decisions that will help our children and as they grow up, they will begin to understand exactly that. Cut yourself some slack and remember that your baby will be happy as long as they're being fed, have a clean bum and cuddles on demand!"

3. You are still your own person

Remembering who you are is key, says Lauren. "Once we journey into motherhood, we sometimes lose ourselves and forget that we're also our own person too - heading back to work is a great reminder that we can still do something for not only our children but ourselves too."

4. Childcare is amazing

Lauren says seeing her daughter thrive among friends at childcare reinforces why she decided to send her kids there. "Although it's a little expensive, I now see it as an investment in Madi. She loves it and I love seeing her so happy."